Best Dressed at the 2014 AMAs

Posted on November 24, 2014 by SMM

And it’s safe to say with my list, entirely black ensembles ruled with more than half of my Best Dressed contenders in all black get-ups. But nonetheless, this Best Dressed list was still top-notch, with a great deal of shining stars, dynamic duos, and looks brimming immaculate details. Check it out & ENJOY!!

KATE BECKINSALE

In my eyes, it seems Kate can do no wrong. She always looks phenomenal. And this white plunging V-neck Kaufmanfranco ensemble is no exception. It’s sexy, chic, and fitted to perfection. Kate is for sure rockin’ this look! Coordinating perfectly with her outfit is her silver Lee Savage clutch and diamond serpentine Bulgari necklace.

JULIANNE HOUGH

Julianne has had me questioning some of her more recent red carpet looks, but with this bright tangerine Zuhair Murad gown, there is no doubt this look is an A+! I love the details, the flowing train, the thigh-high slit, and the intricately detailed triangular cut sheer bodice. She completed her look with a gold Lee Savage clutch and gold Tamara Mellon sandal heels.

Actually, one other stunning detail for Julianne’s bright get-up was her edgy gold Jacquie Aiche jewels! Her entire styling team deserves some major props for this job well done — hair stylist Riawna Capri with Nine Zero One Salon, Spencer Barnes for Make-up, Anita Patrickson for styling, and Kristy Sowin for running the show!

DANICA MCKELLAR

I am still head over heels with how gorgeous Danica looks in this emerald lacy gown by Mac Duggal. She looks breathtaking & I’m in love with this look!

FERGIE

Fergie made a major comeback with a new single at the AMAs, but with the red carpet, it’s a double comeback! She knocked it out of the park with this sexy thigh-high slit number from Halston Heritage complete with gold detailing at the waist and neckline. She kept up the overall sexy vibe with some fierce accessories, including black Versus Versace ankle-strap heels & Loree Rodkin jewels, namely a killer serpentine ring.

SELENA GOMEZ

As I said, entirely black looks ruled my list, and Selena’s demure open back Armani Prive gown is at the top of that list. She looks so classy and sophisticated, yet this number still has a hint of sexiness to it.

Clearly I think it looks great from every angle!

And to give the all black look just a little bit of color, the necessary amount of sparkle, are some exquisite pieces of jewelry, such as these burnt red & gold Neil Lane danglers.

I’m not sure of the designer for Selena’s performance look, but she also looks just as stunning here, a very soft number to go with her heartfelt performance.

MEGHAN TRAINOR

Every red carpet attendee doesn’t need a full on gown to still look amazing and Megan proved that point very well. She looks super elegant in this black Ted Baker London cocktail dress. The lacier top portion provided just the right amount of red carpet appeal to land her as Best Dressed! I’m also head over heels for her sparkly red lips clutch, if only I knew where it was from!

BAILEE MADISON

Bailee could have worked a more younger piece, but I still think she looks so prim, proper, & perfect in this eye-catching Walter Collection by Walter Mendez frock. I just had to include her on my list! She looks happy & if she wants to go the ladylike route, fine by me since she looks as great as she does here.

LUKE BRYAN & CAROLINE BOYER

Even outside of the country music awards scene, almost any best dressed list of mine would not be complete if I don’t include Luke Bryan and Caroline Boyer. As long as these two are at the show, they never cease to amaze me. They are a dynamic fashion red carpet duo for sure. I’m never quite sure who Caroline is wearing, but she still deserves Best Dressed recognition, especially in this beautiful strapless red gown with a black lacy belt at the waist.

ARIANA GRANDE

I am so sad that I couldn’t see a red carpet look from Ariana! I guess I will have to settle for this gorgeous black lacy number she wore while performing. I mean come on, she looks stunningly beautiful right! I just wish we could have seen her on the red carpet, let her rack up those best dressed red carpet numbers because I think she could have had an overall best dressed night had we seen her on the red carpet. But I do love this black gown!

CARLY STEEL

Another black gown, another knockout! Carly looks divine here. This sparkling lacy gown is perfectly fitted for her and perfectly fitting for the night!

CHARLI XCX

With so many black looks on my list, you would think I would tire of them or be bored. But I can’t be when they all look so different, so great, and bring something new to the table. Charli XCX blew me away with out elegant and sophisticated she looked in her head to toe Vivienne Westwood ensemble. So yes, Vivienne Westwood black draped gown and gold Vivienne Westwood jewelry pieces.

BECKY G

I must include on my Best Dressed list a few short, sexier numbers. Becky G’s white sheer long-sleeved mini is the perfect example and the perfect addition to my list. I love how hot she looks, but still somewhat understated and not over-the-top.

And what about that gorgeous makeup, the poppin’ pink lip and smoky eye, all courtesy of CoverGirl, NEW Colorlicious lipstick and Bloom mascara!

MORGAN STEWART

Another sexier, short number, but I literally couldn’t take my eyes off of Morgan’s nude long-sleeved mini. The dress had so many eye-catching details, it was definitely more than basic!

ONE DIRECTION

One Direction has a whole always looks handsome and dapper. Loving their mix of looks from eclectic hipster to refined gentlemen!

JENNY MCCARTHY

At first glance you might think Jenny is donning a plain black dress. But take a gander at it from the back, an open back trimmed with pearls, I’m adoring this lovely detail! This is just a gorgeous dress from Cushnie et Ochs, no doubt. She gave her look a little extra sparkle & bling with adorable Kotur clutch.

In addition, for even more special touches to Jenny’s gorgeous look, there is a statement making beaded necklace by Erickson Beamon and Graziela Gems earrings. Her overall look is just spectacular, including her luscious waves courtesy of Justin Presnell of the Rossano Ferretti Salon in Beverly Hills.

KANDI BURRUS & TODD TUCKER

And finally, one last great looking pair with Kandi & Todd. Todd looks laidback and relaxed, but still very handsome and well put together. It’s a modern spin on a suit, leather pants as a substitute, sans tie. And then Kandi looks smokin’ in her fitted white bodycon dress!

Skingraft for S/S 2015 – Enjoy “Santa Sangre”!

Posted on September 24, 2014 by SMM

Skingraft showcased its recent S/S 2015 collection for MBFW at Lincoln Center and the runway was set on fire! Okay! No! Not a literal fire, but the collection did focus on the elements of blood, smoke, earth, and bone. The pieces were inspired by Santeria and Mexican prayer alters.

Skingraft explored the collection’s various themes and ideas thru a presentation of signature brand prints and silhouettes. The brand also showcased this exploration thru its traditional capabilities of working in both dynamic and bold menswear and looks for women.

A lighter mystical side of Skingraft is in store for Spring 2015 and its unveiling comes in the form of sheer silks,

nylons, — very dynamic, sleek, bold looks

and mesh fabrications. — great updated twist for chic streetwear, such a modern vibe.

In addition, this collection features a print collaboration with NYC based blood artist Jordan Eagles. You can’t deny Jordan’s talent and his collaboration with Skingraft clearly produced undeniable striking looks. The audience was captivated from start to finish!

Special guests in attendance were as follows –

Will.I.Am — far right

Perez Hilton

Jerzy London, Whoopi, & Stacy London

Ally HIlfiger, Skrillex, & 2 Chainz

Philip Bloch & Telana Lynum

Model Shaun Ross

Additional presentation details –

Production & PR – People’s Revolution
Art Direction – Rick Gradone
Casting – Anna Lev

Stylist – Masha Orlov
Makeup – Yin Lee for AOFM using Alcone Cosmetics

Music – Jonny Cota
Hair – Jon Reyman for Aveda

Nails – Patricia Yankee
Sneakers – Cinzia Araia x Skingraft Collaboration

Skingraft know hows to strike the balance of practicality & wearable looks with that of modern fashion. The brand’s talent is bar none, creating such a memorable presence, both at fashion week and in the fashion world. The Skingraft brand encompasses so many talented capabilities, to design so well for both men and women, to be so versatile with lots of separates to dressier looks — all in all, such a dynamic, fashion-forward brand!

The All-N-One Ashlyn’d Clutch — Fashionable, Affordable, & High Quality

Posted on February 5, 2014 by SMM

When I’m getting ready to go out for the day or night, I plan my outfits. I think about the entire look — outfit to shoes to of course, my handbag! I assume most women also do this. For my day looks I generally use a purse. But at night, when I’m going out for drinks or dinner, or if I just don’t want to carry a heavy purse, I need that perfect clutch!

(THE FROSTY — CHAMPAGNE & IVORY — BEST SELLER — AVAILABLE @ DASH BOUTIQUES, ETC.)

The beauty & brains behind ashlyn’d were too in search of the perfect evening bags and clutches. The ladies felt there was a lack of unique and affordable options in the marketplace. And with that, the brand was launched, almost a year ago, January 2013. Meet the ashlyn’d team:

Ashlee Nik — CEO & Designer; LA Native; fashion background experience from work @ J.Brand Jeans, etc.

Denise Lewinstein Victoria Kochamba

Charlotte Anheier — Chief Marketing Officer

The overall concepts behind the brand are to “expect the unexpected” and to create bags that are unique and whimsical in nature. Also within the various collections are nature-oriented or inspired themes. With this concept, the idea was to create clutches that looked like marble, granite, wood, etc. Acrylics and exotic woods with custom finishes were used to achieve these looks. During this process, Ashlee came up with the idea of creating a “snow-globe” effect, using translucent acrylic filled with colored sand that floated. This later led to entire collection of bags filled with pearls, crystals, and much more. All of these concepts & processes lead to clutches that are both very fashionable and of course, unique! Learn more about the ashlyn’d brand here. (Twilight — pictured below)

The ladies are also focused on construction — using quality handcrafted goods & maintaining quality control. The whole manufacturing process is completed in Los Angeles, even the artwork, which is coordinated with LA based artists. Each bag is made with key features that every woman will appreciate — space & affordability. Each clutch has the room to fit all your necessities — phone, lipstick, credit card, ID, and much more! It was also very important to the ashlyn’d team that the clutches are reasonably priced. Big designer brand clutches, very similar to ashlyn’d, can run you anywhere from $500 to quadruple digits. The range for ashlyn’d clutches are mid $300s – mid $400s.

Best-Sellers: The Honor Roll; also Pandi & Goldy, sold nationwide @ LF Stores

There is a large list of boutiques and stores where ashlyn’d clutches can be purchased. You can email Charlotte at charlotte@ashlynd.com to locate a retailer near you! There are also international locations. But I know I have lots of readers in Cali, NYC, & my home-state, NC, so I’m looking out for all of you!

NYC — 3NY; Charlotte Brody; American Two Shot; Baron de Limoges; Dash Boutique; Breeze in Brooklyn; Faym Accessories; I Found a Secret in Brooklyn; Patricia Field; Peipers + Kojen; Rachel Rodin; Two Girls; Vivaldi Boutique; Wink;
Cali — Dash in LA; Beckley Boutiques in LA; FIDM Museum; Kyle by Alene Too in Beverly Hills; The Grocery Store in San Francisco; Samira 13 in West Hollywood; W Hotels in Hollywood;
NC — Fresh Boutique in Charlotte; Gazebo in Winston-Salem;
Shopbop

(Sally, new for 2014, available in stores late Feb. 2014)

ashlyn’d has received a lot of great press during it’s 1-year duration. Many magazines and publications have featured the clutches. And also many celebs have chosen to complete their looks with an ashlyn’d clutch.

Afisha Magazine
Fashion Tribune
WhoWhatWear
Celebs — Maria Menounos; Shaun Robinson; Emily Deschanel; Jenna Ushkowitz; Hayden Panettiere; Rose McGowan; Crystal Reed; Debby Ryan — Just to name a few!!

Make sure to contact ashlyn’d if you have any questions or if you’ve seen a clutch that you like! You can also learn more about ashlyn’d and keep updated by Liking on Facebook, Following on Twitter, Liking on Instagram, or Pinning on Pinterest! And just for fun here are a few more images of the fun and fashionable ashlyn’d clutches!!

Charlotte (astroturf w/ spider on top) & Blossom

Abby & Shelly

Teddy — new for 2014, available in stores late Feb. 2014

Did the PRAS Designers Id a New Trend for 2014?!?

Posted on December 22, 2013 by SMM

Ahhhhh……No! I mean in reality, nobody could, in just 1 day, on the spot, find some big, new fashion trend for next year. It just isn’t possible. I was eager to see what the designers would come up with though. Overall, I wasn’t that impressed. My first thoughts when I heard the challenge was okay, no sheer effects, cut-outs, lace, or peplum. So when I saw a couple of those aspects, I was left SMH! I only loved 1 look, but I don’t think any fully met the challenge.

So this week’s challenge was given by PR judge & creative director of Marie Claire Nina Garcia. The designers were to pair up with some influential fashion bloggers to identify a new trend for 2014. I loved the pairing with the fashion bloggers because what people like us do is just so great. It’s always great hearing what people from all over the world have to say. Blogging is a great platform, even if NYFW doesn’t agree!

But back to the challenge — so Pantone’s color of the year, for 2014, is radiant orchid, or wild orchid. The designer’s look had to incorporate this color. The prizes for this week were also great. The winning look would be personally endorsed by Nina Garcia so we know what that really meant, she would pretty much decide the winning look! But that look would then be shot in a video for the home page of StyleHaul, which could be seen by over 50 million subscribers. Pantone also joined in on the giving — $10,000 prize and a chance to visit Brussels, Belgium and stay in the Pantone Hotel there.

So StyleHaul played a huge role this week as the StyleHaul bloggers worked with the designers to create this fresh, new, trendy look. PR brought back the tradition of the winning designer from last week picking first. And then each designer thereafter would pick which designer would select next. I’m not sure how necessary that was since all of these bloggers were amazing! You can’t deny that, I mean altogether, they have over 6 and a 1/2 million Twitter followers, CRAZY!

Korto selected 1st — Carli of NJ with her Beauty Byble blog
Chris chose next — Fleur of London with Fleur deForce
Next, Seth Aaron — Gigi of Toronto with Gigi Gorgeous
Then Elena — Dulce from LA with Dulce Candy Blog
Finally, Viktor –Jarmaine of LA with JLovesMac1

The designers had a $200 budget this week. Some funny tidbits for me this week — Elena having chainsaw fun and driving the other designers crazy!; Elena picking on Chris’ trend yet she was really just focusing on a peplum-style jacket, not that much more innovative!; finally, Viktor talking about Chris’ use of the olive green, ummmmm did he forget his dress from just last week??

This week’s guest judges were of course Nina, but she was also joined by Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein and one of my fave PR alums, the most successful ever, Christian Siriano. Zanna came by for her usual weekly visit and made sure to encourage the designers’ work processes and to think bigger. So how did that all work out?

I had no clue what would happen this week, who would win, who would go home? I didn’t think any look was that forward-thinking, but I did like 1 look nonetheless. I thought Seth’s fitted knee-length dress was very chic. I thought he incorporated the radiant orchid color well. I also liked the leather capped-sleeves, nice touch. Color-blocking, it’s not something I see as some big new trend for 2014, but I thought the look had such clean lines. I’m not a designer so maybe the color-blocking with the in-seams was at least pushing the boundary somewhat.

The judges disagreed as Seth was in the bottom 3. But no designer this week got full praise. Although the judges did seem to really love Korto’s white vested-suit look. I actually didn’t like the use of the orchid color. For me, having to fight to figure out how something is featured isn’t doing the color justice. In fact, at first, I had no clue where the color even was. It was clever, but for me, the point should have been to feature the color and I didn’t see that here. I didn’t really see anything new or innovative for a trend either, a white suit?? But the judges ultimately declared Korto as the winner.

Elena’s focus this week was surprise surprise, on another jacket, and working on texture. She created a peplum-style shape to the jacket and incorporated the orchid color as part of a textured print. I think had this print been a bit darker, not so bright white, it might have worked better. The judges took issue with some proportions, but really disagreed on if it was a winning look. A couple of the judges were a fan, while Alyssa and Nina were just not sold. Again, Nina was the deciding factor this week, so without her full support, there was no way you could win.

I’m a fan of Chris, but the bottom 2 made sense this week. I know he can bounce back so I’m not worried! Lace is such a big trend right now that it really couldn’t be something much more innovative next year. I do think it’s more of even a staple trend and I’m sure we will see it for many years to come. The military aspect I guess was the twist, but if I’m not mistaken, I think even on PR a few seasons back, lace and military was a trend used for a challenge. Of course after my lengthy venting from last week, I am still not a huge fan of this olive green color, but I don’t think it looked like the swamp thing! I also wish he had done something a bit more with the color than the orchid clutch. But I’m so glad he was safe. I couldn’t take him going home since Irina was eliminated last week.

It was sad to see Viktor go, but that is the tough part with a season such as this one, too many great designers! I really didn’t see a clear trend from his look this week. I think his vision was just a bit hazy. Of course the leather moto jacket was awesome, but it really didn’t work with this black babydoll dress. I think a jumper would have worked way better and if he could have done the splattered orchid print on the jumper, the look probably would have been outstanding!

What will happen next week?? I can’t wait!!

This Thing Called Fashion Law….

Posted on November 13, 2013 by SMM

I am in law school so of course I am asked all the time, “What type of law do you want to practice?” When I first moved to NY, I said entertainment law. But I often explained it as a multidisciplinary practice or a variety of different types of law that encompass it. I now say I want to work in fashion and with fashion law. I get the same puzzled looks and further line of questioning — “What is Fashion Law?”

I still explain the multidisciplinary concept. Fashion law encompasses contracts, corporations and intellectual property (copyright, trademark, design patents, etc.). I also quickly mention the field is still evolving. The east coast, right here in NYC, already started to help develop this field and the study of it. But the west coast has also found its niche as well. I think with this trend of fashion law programs at law schools, the field will develop a clearer vision and maybe, just maybe, the confusion will start to clear up.

Fordham University School of Law launched the Fashion Law Institute, several years back and is the world’s first center dedicated to law and the business of fashion. The Institute offers training for the fashion lawyers and designers of the future, provides legal services for design students and professionals, and makes available information and assistance on issues facing the fashion industry. This program was founded by fashion law pioneer Susan Scafidi; she literally created the first fashion law course!

Most law schools are still in the earliest of stages when it comes to fashion law and that is just offering the course — Fashion Law. But when you are at a school that offers half a dozen fashion law-related courses, it makes the study, the practicality and really the field much more clearer; you can better understand and grasp what fashion law is. The courses offered are — Fashion Law; Fashion Law & Finance; Fashion Ethics, Sustainability, & Development; Fashion Modeling Law; a Fashion Law Practicum; & Fashion Retail Law. So right there you can see what else is encompassed by fashion law — ethics, business development, finance, retail, modeling, etc.

But one school on the map was hardly getting the message across. The west coast, Los Angeles to be specific, is now staking a claim to the development of fashion law. Loyola Law School, just this week, officially approved the launch of the school’s fashion law institute at its LA campus. LA also has a booming and thriving fashion industry, as is clearly seen in NYC, and so now LA will have its share of fashion-minded lawyers.

The Institute will allow law students the ability to get a certificate in Fashion Law by taking four fashion-specific courses. The focus will be on issues such as industry-specific contracts and law related to celebrity endorsements. Students must also take classes in related topics like intellectual property. The certificate will be available to the class of 2015. Courses already on line are — Fashion Law; Fashion Law Business Transactions; a Fashion Law Clinic; & Fashion Modeling Law. I’m unsure if these were already being offered, but I’m sure more courses will be added or further developed with the certificate now in play.

I am in love with this concept and Loyola will be encouraging exactly what I am doing right now — interacting with nonlawyers in the fashion industry and getting real world experience with emerging designers. Fashion law is growing and I’m sure in the next few years, more people will understand the practice better. Hopefully more institutes will continue to pop up, but it’s still great that so many other universities at least have fashion law as a course. More and more firms and attorneys are dedicating work to this field.

For me, wanting to work in this field, I am grateful that my school, New York Law School, offers Fashion law and most, if not all, of the intellectual property courses. It would be nice to have 1 or 2 more though! But I’m also thankful to have started my blog and really get out there to meet people in the fashion industry. I’m looking forward to the road ahead.

Fashion Nexus

A fashion blog for anything & everything fashion, including fashion law topics

Tag Archives: Los Angeles

Best Dressed at the 2014 AMAs

Skingraft for S/S 2015 – Enjoy “Santa Sangre”!

The All-N-One Ashlyn’d Clutch — Fashionable, Affordable, & High Quality

Did the PRAS Designers Id a New Trend for 2014?!?

This Thing Called Fashion Law….

Fashion Nexus

A fashion blog for anything & everything fashion, including fashion law topics

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